GREENHORN ESPRESSO BAR

Nestled among the West End's heritage houses, apartment buildings, and tree lined streets is Greenhorn Espresso Bar, an independent café that has gained notoriety since opening in 2014. Owners Gango Jolicoeur and Walter Le Daca named the café after three Englishmen (William Hailstone, Samuel Brighouse and John Morton), who purchased the 550 acres of the West End in the 1860s for $1.00 per acre. They became known as the "Three Greenhorn Englishmen" because it was believed they overpaid for the land.

Greenhorn marries vintage and contemporary décor, with its reclaimed wood bar and tables, glass beverage bottles and metal stools providing a contrast to the concrete floors, succulent plants and bright red chandelier. A mezzanine level at the back of the café is an art gallery and record shop with vintage bikes and poster art.

The menu is written on brown paper affixed to the wall (and available online). For an espresso bar, Greenhorn features an extensive menu including a variety of brunch and lunch items made in-house. Of course there are also baked goods to accompany your coffee, which is brewed from North Vancouver's Moja Coffee Roasters. And in true Vancouver style, gluten free options are available.

On a sunny day, we recommend nabbing a table outside - it provides for perfect people watching!